You are here: American University Career Center Job & Internship Searching
Contact Us
Monday-Friday: 10 am–12 pm and 1–4 pm
Contact:
Fernando, Gihan S
Assistant Vice Provost
Searching the Hidden and Open Markets
You may search for internships and jobs in two places: the hidden market and the open market. Results vary according to industries and occupations, so consider the tips below when conducting your search.
The Hidden Market
You may find positions that are not publicly advertised by tapping into the hidden market. Once you find a position, your likelihood for success is often greater because of the existing relationship that you or someone you know has with the employer. Competing with a smaller applicant pool also helps. To uncover these hidden opportunities:
- Share your interests with friends, relatives, professors, and other influential people who may alert you to openings or refer you to hiring managers.
- Meet new people at AUÂ .
- Join professional associations and membership organizations. Find professional associations related to your field in our major-specific career guides.
- Connect with friends and colleagues through professional networking sites like .
- Consider proposing an internship to an employer.
- Explore internal promotions with your current employer.
The Open Market
The applicant pool tends to be larger for publicly advertised positions. Use the methods below to find internships and jobs in the open market:
- Â and search for positions specifically posted for AU students and alumni.
- Tailor your search according to industry or occupation through specialized sites including for nonprofit positions, , and others.
- Use to uncover insights such as whom you know at a company, providing an edge in your job search.
- Search more broadly on general sites including ,Ìý, and .
- Target specific openings listed on organizations' websites.
- Speak with employers at the AU Job and Internship Fair each semester and check and fairs in the area.
- Peruse professional association websites and listservs.
Protect Yourself Against Scams
The Career Center conducts extensive vetting of employers in Handshake; however, some fraudulent job postings and scam employers slip in undetected. Be vigilant to ensure legitimacy. Scammers look for new tricks and it can be difficult to detect. If you have questions, reach out to the Career Center for an extra set of eyes and a check-in on how to proceed.
Review tips on avoiding fraudulent job and internship postings.